End of Year Closures

Survivng the Holiday Season

Sometimes the holiday season can be a challenging time, we have updated our 'Surviving Christmas' zine for this year. It's filled with information, advice and activities to inspire you during the holiday period. You can download the Surviving Christmas Resource here.

If you need assistance over this time, please contact one of the contacts listed on the bottom of this page under "Helpful Links and Contacts".

We all need a place to feel safe.

We all need a place to feel safe. A place to be welcomed, accepted and supported. A place to be ourselves! Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW aims to create and nurture such places for people of diverse genders, sexualities and sexes, their families and communities.

Research finds 42% LGBTIQ Young people think about suicide and self harm

Twenty10 along with partners The University of Western Sydney and The Young and Well CRC recently released 'Growing Up Queer: Issues Facing Young Australians Who are Gender Variant and Sexuality Diverse'. A new study has found that 16% of young people who identify as Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Intersex or Queer (LGBTIQ) have attempted suicide and 33% have harmed themselves as a result of widespread homophobic and transphobic harassment and violence in Australian society.

More than 1000 young people aged between 16-27 years of age participated in the national research study, with almost two-thirds reporting homophobic or transphobic harassment or violence across different aspects of their lives, including in schools, families, the workplace, the streets and other public sites, such as sporting events.

Some key findings include:

42% had thought about self-harm and/or suicide.

16% of young people who identify as Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Intersex or Queer (LGBTIQ) have attempted suicide

33% have harmed themselves as a result of widespread homophobic and transphobic harassment and violence in Australian society.

The research also found:

Homophobia and/or transphobia has a serious impact on many young people's educational experiences, with some changing schools multiple times and others dropping out of school altogether.

Young people frequently witness other students who 'come out' at school being bullied and this results in many students keeping their sexual diversity or transgender status a secret, and this has ongoing implications for these young people's mental health and wellbeing.

Sexuality education in schools does not respond to the needs or experiences of young LGBTIQ people, exposing them to a range of social and health risks.

Rejection by families can lead to homelessness, economic instability and/or destitution for some young people, particularly in families of different cultural or religious affiliations.

Growing up in rural and/or isolated communities exacerbates some young people's feelings of being alone, with access to support services often limited or non-existent in these areas.

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Helpful links and contacts

Reach Out!Reach Out! is a web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times. They aim to improve your mental health and well being.www.reachout.com

Kids Help LineKids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years.1800 55 1800

LifelineLifeline is a free 24-hour telephone counselling service available from anywhere in Australia.13 11 14

In an emergency, call the Police by dialling 000

QLife AustraliaQLife provide free telephone and web based counselling, referrals and support groups for LGBTI people and their families on matters of sexuality and life issues. The phone line is open 3pm-Midnight 7 days a week.www.qlife.org.au or 1800 18 4527 (freecall)

Youth Emergency Accommodation Line (YEAL)YEAL provides a simple way for young people (under 18) to find a safe place to sleep for the night. You can check their daily updated lists on their website or call the hotline.www.yaa.com.au 1800 424 830